Family Preservation Worker

Bethany Christian Services USA • Farmington, ME

13d

About The Position

Bethany Christian Services is hiring a Family Preservation Worker to support families at risk of separation due to challenges such as neglect, substance use, or conflict. Using the HOMEBUILDERS model, the worker provides intensive in-home services that help families stay together, build on their strengths, and keep children safely at home. The position is based out of a home office in Maine and serves families in Somerset and Kennebec Counties, including the Waterville area. It requires significant travel, with 50% of work time spent in the community providing in-home and local support. The worker must live within 60 minutes of most families served and be available to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while arranging appropriate coverage when needed. Bethany is a Christian organization focused on child safety, family connection, foster care, adoption, and refugee support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Human Services, or a related field from an accredited college, plus at least two years of experience working with children and families; or a master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field from an accredited college, plus experience working with children and families.
• Demonstrated experience working with children and families from diverse cultures, with sensitivity to cultural differences and norms.
• Demonstrated teaching and crisis-intervention skills.
• Knowledge of state, community, and agency resources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage, respect, and serve a wide range of clients without judgment while empowering them.
• Ability to provide compassionate, excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Willingness and ability to work outside normal business hours, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays, to address client needs.
• Live within 60 minutes of most families served.
• Computer skills sufficient for the essential functions of the role, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license, with at least three years of driving experience in the United States, to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany.
• Pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage.
• Pass a criminal-history screen, including state and local child-protection agency registries.
• Subscribe to and integrate the agency’s Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interventions consistent with HOMEBUILDERS standards and comply with the model’s service definitions and guidelines.
• Collect data and complete reporting thoroughly, accurately, and on time.
• Provide client-interactive, comprehensive assessments focused on family strengths and behavior.
• Work with family members and referral sources to develop intervention goals and service plans addressing the risk of out-of-home placement; monitor progress, analyze barriers, and help families revise goals or plans as needed.
• Advocate for clients and families, provide concrete goods and services such as transportation in support of family goals, and teach families how to meet those needs independently.
• Provide backup and support to other specialists as needed.
• Assess home safety and structure and use interventions that promote safety.
• Maintain clear, concise treatment documentation, client progress notes, and timely reports in accordance with contract requirements, agency expectations, and program policy.
• Use appropriate systems to gather, submit, and track service data within required timelines.
• Conduct family sessions according to HOMEBUILDERS standards.
• Collaborate with the direct supervisor on quality enhancement and improvement plans.
• Establish and maintain referral and community resources, and refer families for support as needed.
• Offer flexible appointment times outside regular business hours and work nontraditional community hours as needed.
• Attend weekly supervisor meetings to review case plans, direction, client participation, and progress, as well as weekly HOMEBUILDERS team case consultations.
• Stay current on community resources and applicable agency, federal, and state social-services regulations.
• Stay current on intervention and teaching methods and complete required training, including through conferences, seminars, and journal reading.
• Participate in Bethany-sponsored events when required or requested and complete other assigned duties.

Benefits

• $3,000 signing bonus; internal candidates are not eligible.
• $3,000 relocation bonus available.
• Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility.
• Paid holidays, PTO, paid parental leave, and separate sick and paid-absence banks.
• Education reimbursement for eligible employees.
• Employee assistance and wellness program.
• Employer-paid long-term disability and group term life insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level